Growing need for culturally appropriate food bank items in Calgary
Posted Apr 11, 2023 2:59 pm.
Last Updated Apr 11, 2023 3:07 pm.
As Calgary’s population continues to become more diverse, a need for culturally appropriate food items is growing.
Opting for a box of Kraft Dinner, something extremely common on food bank shelves, may not be ideal for someone not yet familiar with Canadian food staples.
“The community’s changing. Calgary is a very multicultural based community, our community is almost 100,000 strong, the Sikh population,” said Raj Sidhu, the director at the Dashmesh Cultural Centre.
“There’s so many great communities, diverse communities that have made Calgary home, but unfortunately, they have their day-to-day struggles.”
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When it comes to making culturally appropriate food available, all Calgarians can take part by considering donating one of the items on this shelf.
Sidhu says the foods can give new Calgarians a sense of home.
“I think it really provides them a sense that they belong. Like they’re not having to simulate or not feel like they’re welcomed,” he said.
“A meal goes a long way. It can remind them of their parents back home or loved ones.”
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The Dashmesh Cultural Centre feeds thousands of Calgarians each day and can feed up to 20,000 each weekend.
Sidhu encourages Calgarians of all backgrounds to come for a free meal or utilize their food bank.
“We noticed Ukrainian newcomers, Ukrainians that are coming, they need a lot of support and help as well, so we’re happy to help, but with that comes different cultural needs, cultural expectations,” he said.
He says, for some, it’s not just about finding food they’re familiar with but also about breaking down the stigma around reaching out for help.
